Best Things to Do in Da Nang

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Best Things to Do in Da Nang:attractions to see, food to try, and more

Not every city gets the best of both scenic natural views and bustling urban beat; Da Nang is one of the lucky ones, and probably why is it one of the best cities in Vietnam.

You've probably heard of Da Nang, Vietnam in passing, most likely as you rush right through it on your way to Hoi An, Mui Ne or to Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. Curiously, Da Nang does not enjoy as much of the tourist spotlight compared to the country’s more popular metros. Even with the many exciting things to do in Da Nang, most tourist books fail to point out this essential addition to your Vietnam adventure.

Is it an open secret just waiting to be discovered by the traveler himself? It’s hard to tell. But we’ll go out on a limb here, hope you’ll take our word for it, and actually make you stop and give this underrated destination a well-deserved chance. You might just be in for a worthwhile surprise.

HOW TO GET TO DA NANG

Access to Da Nang by air is as easy as flying in and out of Da Nang International Airport, the third biggest airport in Vietnam located in Hai Chu District. The airport welcomes domestic flights coming from and to Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Hao Phong, Nha Trang, Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, and Pleiku, and international flights from neighboring Asian countries including Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The city center is only 2 kilometers from the airport and is short a 5- to 10- minute drive away.

By taxi

By motor taxi

Hop on the back of a motorbike if you're in a rush and have a small carry-on with you. The fare is cheaper at only VND 30,000 - VND 50,000.

By Grab

The booking app will only cost you around VND 20,000. It's the preferred transportation of choice mostly by first time Da Nang visitors who want to avoid the risk of getting ripped off by cabbies.

From Hoi An

Located about 40 km away from the city, Da Nang is best reached through a bus. Bus shuttles going to and from Hoi An costs about VND 130,000 and takes an hour of travel time. If you go by public bus (yellow bus), the fare is only VND 25,000 but can take at least 1.5 hours of travel. You can book a bus here.

WHERE TO STAY IN DA NANG

There are many places to stay in Da Nang, either you want to be in the city centre or by the coast, you have plenty of options. There are luxury resortss, mid-rang hotels, and the budget-friendly hostels for backpacker are easy to find as well.

WHAT TO DO IN DA NANG: THINGS TO DO IN DA NANG

Da Nang serves as the gateway to central Vietnam. There are a lot of things to see in Da Nang, we highly believe that you should take advantage of this city’s convenient location by spending at least a day or two to explore the vibrant metro’s gorgeous beaches, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural and historical heritage. Check these amazing tours for Da Nang.

Climb the Marble Mountains

In ancient Da Nang folklore, a dragon emerged from Non Nuoc Beach to lay its egg. A thousand nights and days later, the egg hatched and from it, a beautiful lady emerged. The shell fragments then grew into five mystical hills which are now known as the famous Marble Mountains of Da Nang.

Marble Mountains is a climb to behold. It’s comprised of a cluster of hills of limestone and marble compositions. Each one is named after the elements: earth (Tho Son), metal (Kim Son), fire (Hoa Son), water (Thuy Son), and wood (Moc Son). Today, the mountains are a known pilgrimage site dotted with 17th century Buddhist sanctuaries, grottoes, and temples.

You’ll also findcaves, peaks, and tunnels that have become a favorite amongst backpackers and hikers. From the mountains’ summits, a rewarding panoramic view of Da Nang will leave you no less than awestruck.

How to get there

From Hoi An, take the yellow bus to Da Nang. The nearest bus stop is less than a km walk back to the main mountain (Thuy Son). You can try asking the bus driver to drop you off somewhere closer.

If you plan on checking out other places for the day, rent a scooter for around VND 117,000 to get to the mountains and onto your next stops. Parking at the scooter park only costs VND 3,000.

Travel tip: Gear up for an early climb if you wish to explore all 5 mountains. It takes at least 4 hours to complete the stops. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring a flashlight for when you explore the caves and tunnels.

Visit the Cham Museum

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is the world’s only museum dedicated to commemorating the Champa era and the unique culture and lifestyle of their time. Simply known as the Cham Museum, this essential stop in Da Nang will give you a glimpse of Vietnam’s indigenous Cham ancestors who lived in the coastal areas of the country.

They left behind the art and sculptural masterpieces, hundreds of terracotta artifacts, and stone work dating back to the 7th century. These elaborate creations are housed in 10 different exhibition rooms inside the Cham Museum.

The museum’s sandstone building itself is reminiscent of the Kingdom of Champa that governed the southern part of Vietnam from 192AD until 1697. It’s a fine example of Cham architecture with Hindu accents. As such, you’ll find simple flowing lines adorned with idols and holy animals.

Opening hours: 7AM - 5PM daily

Entrance fee: VND 60,000,

Location: 02, 2 Thang 9 Street, Da Nang

How to get there

Go by taxi or take the short walk from the Dragon Bridge. You’ll find it on the city side of the river, at the roundabout in Bach Dang.

Travel tip: When you’re visiting sometime between April to September, go early in the morning to avoid the heat. The museum has no air-conditioning and can get uncomfortably hot inside.

See the Fire-Breathing Dragon Bridge

Da Nang’s most prominent landmark, the Dragon Bridge, is synonymous with the city itself. It’s a most frequented attraction that every traveler staying or passing by Da Nang should never miss out on.

Its name is derived from the golden Dragon structure towering in the middle of the 6-lane, 666-meter bridge that spans the Han River. The Dragon Bridge is especially dazzling to see at night when LED lights illuminate the 2,185-foot structure. On weekends, sightseers and photographers gather near the bridge and await the 9PM pyrotechnic display. A golden dragon breathing fire and spitting water have become a much-awaited weekly show for both locals and tourists.

The golden Dragon Bridge opened in 2013 to commemorate Da Nang’s 38th year of liberation.

Fire/Water Display: 9PM on weekends

Location: Da Nang City Centre, Da Nang

Travel tip: The Dragon Bridge shuts down before the weekend show and nobody’s allowed to cross. So, go early and get yourself a terrace seating in one of the cafes and restaurants nearby. Sit back, relax, and enjoy drinks and dinner with a marvelous show come 9PM.

Take the scenic route with a side of thrill at Hai Van Pass

Hailed as one of Vietnam’s most stunning hillside roads, Hai Van Pass answers the question ‘why you should not pass right through Da Nang without exploring?’ Also known as the Sea Clouds Pass, Hai Van, at 500 meters above sea level, is the highest pass in the country. Those who seek an off-the-beaten-path adventure will downright love the challenging 19km ride through winding roads that lead up and over mountains.

It’s an adrenaline-packed destination that rewards you with the most stunning visuals of Da Nang City, the Son Tra Peninsula, Tien Sa Port, and the South China Sea. Along the way, this lookout point also gives you access to the remains of a French-built fort that Vietnamese soldiers used as a bunker during the Vietnam war, the Hai Van Gate from the ancient Tran Dynasty, and the Hai Van tunnel.

How to get there

Hai Van Pass is located 30 km north of the city. From Da Nang, head to Highway 1A then cross the Cu De River bridge. Turn left in 700m and you'll find a tunnel; continue straight for Hai Van Pass.

Travel tip: The best way to get toHai Van Pass is by motorcycle. Some prefer to cycle their way through but unless you have the stamina for hours of strenuous riding, the former is a better option. You can rent motorcycles for a day from VND 150,000 to VND 200,000. If you’re traveling with your family and have kids or seniors among the group, then go by private car or book a tour bus.

Explore the Golden Bridge

One of the newest attraction that is bringing a buzz in Da Nang is the Golden Bridge. If you have seen a photo of it, it's a bridge being held by a massive stone hand. It is a 150-metre long pedestrian bridge in the Ba Na Hills resort. The bridge connects the cable car station and the gardens to showcase a scenic view.

The Ba Na Hills resort will also give you the amusement park feeling. It is built with the French-designed building since Vietnam was colonised by France for a while.

How to get there

It requires about half a day exploring Ba Na Hills resort. It is also a 35-kilometre drive from Da Nang city centre, which is about an hour. Some people rent a motorbike in Da Nang and drive themselves. If you do this, simply put Ba Na Hills resort on the map and it should guide you well how to get there, you can park your motorbike there. While others take a taxi, Grab, or join a tour.

Ticket cost: 700.000 VND or US$30-$35 includes the cable car ride, you can buy the ticket once you reach the foot of Ba Na Hills.

BEST BEACHES IN DA NANG

If those weren’t enough to convince you (highly unlikely though) to make your stop in this city, then we’ll add gorgeous beaches to your list of things to do in Da Nang. This place does not only offer stunning views from above, but also breathtaking seascapes from the coast or water activities such as snorkeling. There are many beaches in Da Nang that you can enjoy, while these three are the creme of the crop.

My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach is THE beach to be if you have sun, sand, and R&R in your agenda. The 20-mile stretch of My Khe is Vietnam’s most picturesque. The powdery white sand and turquoise waters make up the perfect setting for a day of complete and utter relaxation. High-end resorts are but a short stroll away if you want to top off the day with a massage and an unforgettable fine dining experience.

Non Nuoc Beach

Located a mere 10 minutes away from Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc Beach hugs five km of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline. This white sand beauty, long known to be one of the world’s best, features unpolluted waters and mild waves that beach bums can enjoy all year round. You can even get yourself some surf and paddling lessons once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing and lounging in the sand.

Son Tra Peninsula

In the Tho Quang Ward of Da Nang’s Son Tra District hides Con Beach, Bai Tac, and Tien Sa, three of Son Tra Peninsula’s best-kept gems, The Son Tra Peninsula is not only a must-visit beach and scuba diving destination, but offers its very own paradise bursting with untouched beauty, a primitive jungle, and a thriving flora and fauna ecosystem that complements the rich marine life in the area.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN DA NANG

In Da Nang, the way to your heart is through your stomach, too. Being central Vietnam’s main gateway, Da Nang entices travelers passing through with its local offerings and culinary fusions that make wining and dining in this metro skyrocket to the top of your must-dos.

You’ll find high-end restaurants aplenty in this city, but if you’re one to seek a literal taste of the Da Nang culture, then let’s take your gastronomic journey to these local eats or you can also join a home cooking class to learn some local dishes. You can try many restaurants in Da Nang during your stay, but here are the ones we highly recommend.

Mi Quang Ba Mua

Get yourself some Vietnamese comfort food aka quang noodle at Mi Quang Ba Mua. This local and tourist favorite serve the tastiest quang noodle in the city. The secret? The quang noodle broth that’s perfectly seasoned and richly enriched with the flavor of your choice: beef, vegetables, chicken, or fish. Quang noodle is served with rice crackers, green chillies, and lime.

Address: 21 Tran Binh Trong St., Hai Chu District, Da Nang

Open from 6AM - 9:30PM

Price: VND 25,000/bowl

Banh Xeo Ba Duong

A must-try when you’re in Da Nang - the Ban Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) at Banh Xeo Ba Duong. The place serves this city speciality in true Vietnamese style; crispy pancake filled with prawns, pork, and bean sprouts - it's surely one of the best food in Da Nang if not Vietnam. The dish is served with pork skewers, rice paper, and sauce made of fish sauce, liver pate, pork, and peanut. The Banh Xeo in central Vietnam is the best in the country.

Address: K280/23 Hoang Dieu, Da Nang

Open from 3AM - 10PM

Price: Ranges from VND 20,000 - VND 55,000

Nguyen Tri Phuong Street Food

The local street food scene in Da Nang is alive and thriving at Nguyen Tri Phuong in Than Khe Ward. The bustling eateries are filled with scrumptious Vietnamese dishes sold at pocket-friendly prices. Be sure to check out Red Pepper and Ba Nhan during your food crawl. Go early to catch the food stalls serving breakfast since they sold out as early as 9 in the morning.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

If you are coming from the north, the next place for you to check out is Hoi An, the cute little town filled with colourful lanterns and popular for crab fishing and customised clothing and other accessories. This town can be reached via bus, taxi or Grab, and of of course motorbike.

While if you started in the south, Hue is your next stop. Which is also known as the food capital of Vietnam. It is believed that many Vietnamese dishes that are popular today came from Hue. It is also the home for th tallest pagoda in Vietnam. You can take a bus, taxi or Grab, or drive a motorbike to reach Hue.

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